Most children worry about bullying at secondary school

Children starting secondary school are most concerned about being bullied for being too clever or not clever enough, a survey has found. Beatbullying and Parentdish have launched an online guide for parents.

The poll of more than 800 eight- to 15-year-olds by the charity BeatBullying and parenting website Parentdish found other common concerns about starting a new school include keeping up with homework, finding their way around school and making new friends. It found that 58 per cent of primary school pupils were worried about being bullied when they start secondary school.

BeatBullying and Parentdish have produced an online guide that offers parents advice on how to spot whether their child is being bullied and what can be done to stop it.

Emma-Jane Cross, chief executive of BeatBullying, said schools can help children by having a “buddy” or “peer mentor” scheme in place. “Many children are worried about moving from primary to secondary school,” she said. “It’s a hugely exciting time – with a new school, new teachers and new classmates – but it can also be very scary.”